John Duddy's fight on 14 July is live on RTÉ Two and RTÉ.ie (worldwide except North America) from 9.30pm
John Duddy returns home this summer to show Irish fight fans just what they’ve been missing during his impressive four-year stint in the Big Apple.
The 'Derry Destroyer' will fight in the National Stadium on Saturday, 14 July, in his first ever professional fight in Ireland.
Billed as 'The Homecoming', the event will be promoted by Brian Peters Promotions in association with Irish Ropes.
Since leaving behind the amateur ranks in 2003, Duddy has blossomed in to New York’s biggest boxing star, racking up 20 straight wins during his time Stateside.
A mouth-watering World title clash with middleweight champion Jermain Taylor is on the cards, but first Duddy wants to make his mark on this side of the Atlantic.
'They’ll see the new John Duddy on July 14,' promised the 27-year-old.
'The guy who shows up will be a lot different to the guy who fought in the National Stadium as an amateur.
'It’s going to be explosive and action packed and there won’t be any need for seats there because the crowd will be on their feet!'
Hottest ticket in NY
Duddy’s promise is no idle boast – the charismatic Derryman has become the hottest ticket in New York, with his fights selling out Madison Square Garden.
Duddy is also keen to point out to his loyal New York fanbase that they have not seen the last of him.
'This is the right time to come home and fulfil a dream of mine by fighting as a pro in Ireland but I’ll be back in New York next week to start training for this fight and I’m sure it won’t be too long before I’m fighting there again too. I’m not saying goodbye to New York, just see you later.
'I’ve learned so much in the four years I’ve been away and I can’t wait to show everyone back home what I’m capable of.
'Real high'
'Irish boxing is on a real high right now, Bernard Dunne has lifted the sport back home and the likes of Bernard, Steve Collins and Wayne McCullough have been an inspiration to me.
'They all served their apprenticeship in America and it convinced me that I needed to do the same.
'The McLoughlin Brothers and Irish Ropes have backed me from day one out there and now it’s great to be able to go home and show people how far I’ve come.
'I’m under no illusions that I still have a way to go but I’m getting there with each and every fight and I’m enjoying every minute of it at the moment.'
Duddy won’t be short of support on 14 July, with fellow Derryman Paul McCloskey headlining the supporting bill.
The Dungiven light welterweight is unbeaten in ten professional outings and he looks set for the biggest test of his career. McCloskey’s opponent will be confirmed in the coming weeks.
Also in action at the National Stadium will be Belfast’s Kevin O’Hara, Mayo heavyweight Declan Timlin and unbeaten super bantamweight Eugene Heagney.
